Archive · 28 Sep 2025
From Online Extremism to New Paths: Two Young Men's Journeys
Two young men, Casey and A.M., got pulled into extreme online groups.
Casey fell into conspiracy theories on YouTube, while A.M. read radical ideas online.
They both sought belonging and adventure, but it led to feeling down.
They eventually left those groups.
Casey learned by meeting new people, and A.M. joined the Coast Guard and became a writer.
The story shows the dangers of these online communities and how people can change their beliefs and find a better life.
Two young men, Kiracofe and Hickman, were drawn into online extremism.
Both sought belonging and adventure, which led to depression and loneliness.
Kiracofe was influenced by YouTube conspiracy theories, while Hickman read radical manifestos.
Both men eventually left their online groups and changed their views.
The article explores the dangers of online communities and the potential for personal growth.
- Who
- Casey Kiracofe and A.M. Hickman
- What
- Recovering from online extremism
- When
- Over the last decade, with current day progress noted
- Where
- Online, and in the real world (Van Wert, Ohio; upstate New York)
- Why
- To escape depression and loneliness by forming new beliefs.
Former Extremists
Extremist Communities
Purpose
Former Extremists
They sought meaning and purpose.
Extremist Communities
They provide a sense of identity, camaraderie, power, and control.
Effect
Former Extremists
Caused feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation.
Extremist Communities
Encouraged members to stay isolated.
Content
Former Extremists
They are now deconstructing their beliefs.
Extremist Communities
Content can incite, encourage, glorify, and call for violence.
- Protagonist 1
- Casey Kiracofe
- Protagonist 2
- A.M. Hickman
- Key Themes
- Online extremism, search for identity, deconstruction of beliefs
- Protagonist 1 Current Occupation
- Factory worker
- Protagonist 2 Current Occupation
- Writer
- Platform Mentions
- YouTube, Reddit, TikTok